Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy (Dubai) MSc / PGDip

Study at a world-leading research university with a team of multidisciplinary experts. You’ll engage in assessing and managing musculoskeletal conditions, while critically evaluating evidence and your own experiences to enhance your expertise in this specialised field. Apply clinical reasoning skills to effectively handle complex clinical cases as you learn from experts in the field.

Course structure

This course will run over 12 months in a full-time mode. There is also the opportunity to undertake the programme on a part-time basis for over two or three years. While the exact content may change, here’s what you can expect to study each semester. This is based on a full-time Masters course.

Join a community of postgraduate students with shared learning opportunities between the UK and Dubai and access world-class learning facilities on our award-winning smart campus. With flexible study options, you can tailor your learning experience to meet your personal and professional needs.

• A degree to suit you
• Flexible study to fit around your personal commitments
• World-class facilities
• Distinguished research and teaching staff
• Award-winning state-of-the-art campus. The perfect learning environment

• Lectures - delivered by a mixture of academic experts and professional individuals who are active within physiotherapy-related organisations.
• Seminars and tutorials - led by both tutors and students to facilitate peer-to-peer learning.
• 1:1 supervision - Benefit from shared learning between the UK and Dubai, as well as a personal tutor and dissertation supervisor for 1:1 support.

Assessments methods

These will vary with each module and could include coursework, such as essays; group presentations, individual presentations, critical discussions (VIVA Voce), and practical assessments. You will receive feedback on each assessment within four weeks, so you can learn from each assignment.

Timetable

Our timetable is designed to deliver teaching on one or two weekday evenings and on weekends (day varies per module). Part-time students will study during these hours as per the number of modules they choose to study. If you decide to only take one module per semester, you will only need to be at the University Dubai campus for the duration of that module and any scheduled tutorials (organised by each module leader depending on the module).

The optional module information listed for this programme is intended to be indicative, and the availability of optional modules may vary from year to year. Where a module is no longer available, we will let you know as soon as we can and help you to make other choices.

The Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip) in Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy is awarded with successful completion of six 20 credit masters level modules. Cumulative total of 120 M level credits. The award of Master of Science (MSc) in Musculoskeletal Physiotherapy will be awarded following successful completion of the Research Dissertation (60 credits) to provide a cumulative total of 180 M level credits.

MSc Full-time

Year: 1
2026/27 Session

The following must be taken:

You must choose 20 credits from the following list:

You must have achieved a minimum of 2:1 in an undergraduate (pre-registration) physiotherapy qualification. You must also have registration as a practising physiotherapist in the country where you are currently/have been practising.

You will also need to submit the following documentation in support of your application:

• Supporting evidence of appropriate continuing professional development (CPD)
• Two academic/employer references
• Transcripts of degree (certified and translated into English if appropriate).
• Personal statement
• English language requirement

If you meet the entry criteria, you will be invited to an in-person or online interview to discuss your motivations and eligibility for the programme.

English language requirements

To study at the University, you must be able to demonstrate a good level of written and spoken English. Many applicants do this by submitting a recent IELTS, TOEFL, or PTE result, or by completing a Presessional English course.

The level of English language proficiency required varies depending on your level of study and subject area.

You can view the full English language requirements, including accepted tests and required scores, on our entry requirements page for the Dubai campus.

Paying your tuition fees

Tuition fees are payable for each year of your programme. To help you manage the cost of study, you can pay fees in full or in three instalments per academic year.

To secure your place, you must pay a non-refundable tuition fee deposit of AED 5,000 by the deadline stated in your Conditional Offer. This deposit will be deducted from your tuition fees.

To avoid delays, please ensure all required documents are included with your application.

Find guidance on how to apply, key steps in the process and answers to frequently asked questions.

Careers Network

In a competitive global market, you need to be ready for work before you graduate. At the University of Birmingham Dubai, our careers services will help you plan and achieve your ambitions. Whatever you plan to do after your degree, the Careers Network Dubai information, advice, and guidance service offers support to help you identify your options, develop your skills and gain access to opportunities that propel you towards your career goal.

Our state-of-the-art Dubai campus, with its iconic buildings overlooking stunning parkland and friendly community, will quickly make you feel at home in the UAE's second city. Expect plenty of exciting activities to get involved in outside of your studies, as well as all the support and advice you need.

Accommodation

Coming to the University of Birmingham Dubai to study might be your first time living away from home. Our student accommodation partners allow you to enjoy your independence in safe, welcoming, and sociable surroundings.

Living in Dubai

Enrich your life with endless attractions, entertainment and lifestyle opportunities. In just over 50 years, Dubai has transformed itself from a tiny settlement to a glistening city and world-class destination. It’s no wonder our students fall in love with the city.

Campus life

Our state-of-the-art Dubai campus is where our diverse community comes together, providing a home for up to 3,000 students to learn, relax, and socialise.

Student support

Whoever you are and wherever you come from, we are committed to providing the best possible support to all of our students, both before you start and throughout your time on campus, so that you can get the most out of your university experience.

Take a virtual tour

Explore our Dubai campus from wherever you are. Get a feel for the wide range of modern spaces and state-of-the-art facilities.